“Sustaining the Good Life,” updated in 2025, examines the use and funding of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in our state.
The Nebraska Legislature concluded its work yesterday after 89 days of filibusters, floor flights and final reading. When we convened in January, we set the scene with 15 freshmen Senators and one returning veteran, a legislative body grappling with a significant budget shortage, a set of priorities from Governor Jim
$23.2 billion The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) estimates that a new provision incentivizing giving to private school scholarship programs would reduce federal tax revenue by $23.2 billion over the next ten years, or up to $67 billion if extensions are granted beyond the current 4-year authorization. The
OpenSky’s analysis of the budget reconciliation bill that passed in the House of Representatives is ongoing. The bill is lengthy and consequential, and we will analyze and share its impact on working Nebraskans in the days and weeks to come, especially as we track budget proceedings in the Senate. Stay
14.4 Million The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) estimates that as many as 14.4 million Americans nationwide could lose coverage under Medicaid should work requirements be instituted. Nearly 2 in 3 adult Medicaid enrollees aged 19-64 already work, and most of the rest would potentially be exempted from
11 million Nearly 11 million people live in households that would be at risk of losing at least some food assistance under a proposal under consideration in Congress, according to analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP). Introduced by Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), it imposes harsher work
$396 million The Appropriations Committee released the final budget report earlier this week, setting the stage for the proposal that will be debated by the Legislature starting May 6. The shortfall the body needs to close increased to $396 million after less-than-rosy revenue projections by the Nebraska Economic Forecasting Advisory
$1.5 billion In a letter this week to state senators, Nebraska’s Auditor of Public Accounts, Mike Foley indicated that the state’s largest business incentive programs are on track to reduce General Fund revenues by $1.5 billion over the next four fiscal years. Foley’s letter highlights the pending fiscal obligations of
47 LB 22, introduced by Senator George Dungan, passed last week with 47 legislators voting to send it to the desk of Governor Jim Pillen for his signature. The legislation directs the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to apply to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
$401,538 The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) was granted an extension in October 2024 allowing additional time to spend down federal funds allocated during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically those granted under the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief – Homeless Children and Youth (ARP-HCY) program. Of the
This is a pivotal moment in our country, state and local communities for SNAP, the program designed to fill the gaps for families who would otherwise go hungry. We heard from a variety of stakeholders on the importance of the program, how it works, common misconceptions about SNAP beneficiaries, and
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Health Access to quality health care is a key element of “The Good Life” because it helps keep Nebraskans working and thriving. Key Resources Medicaid Overview “A Healthy Nebraska,” updated in 2023, provides an overview of Medicaid and CHIP funding in Nebraska. Learn More State Budget Overview “Looking for Clarity,”
